Cycling in Dark Clothes

cycling

blending in with surroundings is not entirely the best strategy for cycling in busy cities, but, it does often seem to be the most popular.

I was stuck in Marston getting an Ipod adapter fitted to my car, so I was taking a few photos. Not too many cyclists about, probably because it was raining fairly persistently. A straw poll of the cyclists who did pass, showed a surprisingly high % of cyclist wearing dark clothes. Perhaps in summer you don’t expect it to get grey or dark weather. You could argue, motorists shouldn’t need bright clothes for them to see cyclists e.t.c. But, it seems wearing bright colours can only help increase visibility and reduce chance of being knocked over. It would certainly be interesting to see a careful study to see if hi viz jackets really do make a difference.

cycling
A waterproof, hi viz cover for backpack makes a big difference.

cycling
Nice cycle path. Very busy when school is in session.
cycling
Paths closed to cars and you see many children on bikes.

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3 Responses to Cycling in Dark Clothes

  1. Howard August 17, 2010 at 4:57 pm #

    I think a lot of it has to do with style , but there are schools of thought out there that too much bright green clothing doesn’t actually help you to stand out too much. I favour bright cycling strips ( i have a bright orange Nalini kit with blue bands)

  2. James August 14, 2010 at 12:52 pm #

    Although Endura have amazing reflectivity at night -you end up looking like Tron lol

  3. James August 14, 2010 at 12:52 pm #

    Great article and your pictures really do give an idea how difficult it is too see riders.

    I have Endura clothing – all black and told I look like a stealth ninja on my bike…

    My Girlfriend chose my respray bike colours – Red – because its used on warning signs and Red/Yellow doesn’t blend in so much.

    My riding gear will be Yellow/Red from now on!

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